Plantation Short Term Rental Regulation: A Guide For Airbnb Hosts

What are short term rental (Airbnb, VRBO) regulations in Plantation,Florida?

Short term rentals (STRs), also commonly known as vacation rentals, have exploded in popularity across Florida in recent years thanks to online booking platforms like Airbnb and VRBO. These rentals, defined as any rental agreement for less than 30 days, allow homeowners to generate supplemental income from their properties. However, the rise of short term rentals has also led many Florida municipalities to institute regulations to help mitigate issues that can arise with these rentals.

The city of Plantation, located in South Florida's Broward County, is one city that has implemented comprehensive rules and licensing requirements to govern short term rental operations within city limits. Plantation has two classifications of short term rentals - hosted and non-hosted. Hosted rentals are those that are owner-occupied residences with homestead exemptions, while non-hosted lack permanent residency.

All short term rental hosts in Plantation must obtain a Certificate of Compliance and register each individual rental unit they operate. There are various fees and taxes associated with legally running these units. The city also mandates various safety requirements, occupancy limits, parking restrictions, and guest logging procedures that hosts must adhere to. Fines and penalties apply to non-compliant short term rental operators.

In summary, Plantation has stringent short term rental regulations aimed at addressing concerns over these rentals while also legitimizing those hosts operating legally and responsibly. This article provides an overview of the key requirements, restrictions, contacts, and perspectives on short term rental rules in the city of Plantation.

Starting a Short Term Rental Business in Plantation

Operating a short term rental in Plantation, Florida can be a lucrative business opportunity but requires adhering to city regulations. As an aspiring host, fully understanding the legal requirements before listing your property is essential.

The city defines short term rentals, also known as "vacation rentals," as any housing unit rented out for less than 30 days. This covers popular booking platforms like Airbnb, VRBO, and Vacasa.

There are two main types - hosted and non-hosted rentals:

Hosted Rentals These are owner-occupied homes, with the host living on-site full-time. The property must have a homestead exemption filed with the county. Hosted rentals allow owners to earn supplemental income by renting out a spare room or guest house.

Non-Hosted Rentals These operate as full-time vacation rentals without permanent residents on-site. The owner lives elsewhere but manages the property as a short-term rental business. Non-hosted units cannot obtain a homestead exemption.

Before listing your Plantation property on any platform, prospective hosts must register with the city and obtain a Certificate of Compliance. This guide covers everything you need to get started.

Short Term Rental Licensing Requirement in Plantation

Property owners looking to rent out their Plantation homes or condos on a short term basis must first obtain a Certificate of Compliance from the city. This mandatory licensing requirement applies to any dwelling unit that will be rented out to guests for periods of less than 30 consecutive days.

The Certificate of Compliance registration and licensing process involves a few key steps:

First, you must register each individual rental unit that will be advertised on platforms like Airbnb and VRBO. Every address needs a separate short term rental license. The city requires documentation like proof of ownership and floor plans during registration.

Next, you have to pay the licensing fees that Plantation charges for legal short term rentals. This helps fund regulation and enforcement efforts. Fee rates are set annually.

Additionally, your rental property has to meet safety and zoning requirements to qualify for legal licensing. An initial inspection is conducted to issue the Certificate of Compliance.

Ongoing compliance is also monitored. Fines and penalties apply to those operating non-registered short term rentals without the proper permits and licenses. Legal enforcement aims to curb problem houses.

Required Documents for Plantation Short Term Rentals

Property owners looking to legally operate short term rentals in Plantation must submit various documents to obtain a Certificate of Compliance from the city. This mandatory registration process ensures safety and accountability across vacation rentals.

Provide clear proof of property ownership and permanent residency status. This includes submitting property deeds, homestead exemption paperwork, driver's licenses showing the Plantation address, and utility bills. Renters and non-resident owners cannot register short term rentals.

Supply detailed floor plans indicating room dimensions and labeling each bedroom, kitchen, living area to show the rental's layout and sleeping capacity. Additionally, provide a site sketch mapping structures on the entire property from sheds to pools. These diagrams help code officials monitor occupancy limits.

Share a sample rental agreement contract to showcase awareness of regulations around stays less than 30 days.Show general liability insurance of $500,000 minimum to protect guests. Also obtain requisite state, county, and city business licenses.

By furnishing these essential documents, Plantation short term rental hosts demonstrate compliance. Reach out to the Planning, Zoning and Economic Development Department with any registration questions.

Plantation Short Term Rental Taxes

As a short term rental host in Plantation, you are responsible for collecting and remitting several taxes that go towards supporting city infrastructure, tourism promotion, and other public services.

Florida Sales Tax

You must collect 6% Florida sales tax from guests on all rental income and remit this tax to the Florida Department of Revenue on a monthly or quarterly basis. This can easily be handled when you file your sales tax returns.

Broward County Tourist Development Tax

A 5% tourist development tax must also be collected from guests on all rents under 6 months. This helps fund tourism marketing for Broward County. Again, you can remit this when you file regular Florida sales tax.

City of Plantation Business Tax

Additionally, Plantation imposes a business tax on all rental operators. The exact percentage varies based on type and length of rental. You must obtain a municipal business tax receipt and display it publicly. This tax also supports city services.

As you can see, properly collecting and paying taxes is crucial for running a legitimate, licensed short term rental business in Plantation. While it may seem complicated at first, resources are available to ease the process. Reach out to the city revenue department with any questions.

Plantation wide Short Term Rental Rules

The City of Plantation has implemented strict regulations that apply to all short term rental properties across the city. As a professional short term rental operator, it is essential that you understand and comply with these key requirements:

Noise Monitoring

• All Plantation short term rentals must have noise detection devices installed on the property. These monitors will alert the owner and authorities if noise levels exceed certain decibel thresholds during late night hours. This allows the city to crack down on "party houses".

Occupancy Limits

• Legal short term rental properties cannot exceed maximum occupancy limits set by the city based on factors like number of bedrooms and square footage. Overcrowding fines apply to non-compliant rentals. Be sure to set accurate guest limits in listings.

Parking Rules

• Renters are prohibited from parking on the street overnight or blocking sidewalks at any time. Ensure your property can accommodate off-street parking for all guests. Street parking fines may be issued.

Record Keeping

• Plantation mandates that hosts maintain detailed guest and complaint logs for each rental property. You must also obtain annual safety inspections and keep reports on file. Meticulous record keeping is key.

By following Plantation's clear short term rental legislation around noise control, occupancy, parking, and documentation, hosts can operate successful and above-board businesses. Rigorous enforcement compels cooperation from rental owners.

Does Plantation strictly enforce STR rules?” Is Plantation Airbnb friendly?

The City of Plantation is known for having some of the strictest regulations and rigorous enforcement policies for short term rentals in South Florida.

Unlike some neighboring cities that take a more relaxed approach, Plantation officials actively monitor rental listings and properties to identify illegal operations. Dedicated city staff strictly uphold all licensing and zoning requirements outlined in the recent 2023 ordinance.

Fines and penalties apply for violations of occupancy limits, parking rules, safety standards and other rental regulations. Multiple offenses can result in revocation of a unit's Certificate of Compliance to operate as a legal short term rental.The city aims to curb "party houses" and other problem properties that generate noise complaints or otherwise disturb residential neighborhoods.

Regulation enforcement helps Plantation limit issues and nuisances associated with short term rentals.

While the stringent oversight makes Plantation less "Airbnb-friendly" than some areas, these measures also serve to legitimize compliant short term rental businesses operating legally under city guidelines. Overall, Plantation takes regulation of short term rentals very seriously and property owners must follow all rules accordingly.

How to Start a Short Term Rental Business in Plantation

Starting a compliant and successful short term rental business in Plantation requires advanced preparation but is very feasible if you follow these key steps:

1. Research Zoning and Regulations

The first critical task is fully researching Plantation's zoning codes and short term rental regulations. You need to review the requirements for your specific property and neighborhood. This will determine if short term rentals are allowed and what rules apply regarding licensing, taxes, safety devices, inspections, etc.

2. Prepare Required Documentation

Once you've confirmed short term rentals are permitted, compile all the required paperwork. This includes proof of ownership and homestead status, detailed floor plans, site sketches, sample rental contracts, commercial liability insurance, and local business licenses. Proper documentation is crucial for smooth registration.

3. Install Mandatory Safety Equipment

Plantation mandates interior and exterior security cameras, noise detection systems, fire alarms, carbon monoxide detectors, and other safety devices. These must be professionally installed and maintained to pass inspections.

4. Complete Registration and Inspections

Submit your documentation and pass the property inspection from the city's code enforcement team. This will grant your Certificate of Compliance to legally operate short term rentals. Ensure you meet all occupancy limits.

5. Maintain Detailed Records

Keep immaculate records of all guests, stays, payments, incidents or complaints per city regulations. Thorough record keeping will prove compliance if any issues arise. Consider software to automate logging.

6. Market and Manage Your Rental

Once registered and approved, list your rental unit on platforms like Airbnb, VRBO, and Booking.com. Carefully screen all guests and establish clear rules and expectations. Respond promptly to any problems reported by neighbors or authorities.

Following these key steps will lead to an approved, licensed, and responsibly-managed short term rental business in Plantation. Let the income from your short term property flow in!

Who to contact in Plantation about Short Term Rental Regulations and Zoning?

To obtain complete and accurate information on requirements, restrictions, and the registration process for operating short term rentals in Plantation, contact the city's Planning, Zoning and Economic Development Department.

You can reach knowledgeable staff in this department at:

Phone: 954-797-2225

Email: pzed@plantation.org

Address:Planning, Zoning and Economic Development
400 NW 73rd Avenue
Plantation, FL 33317

In addition, the city has designated a Licensing Clerk specifically for overseeing short term rental regulations and compliance.

Reach out to this clerk with any questions or to begin the registration procedure.

Licensing Clerk
Phone: 954-797-2200

Email: str@plantation.org

What do Airbnb hosts in Plantation on Reddit and Bigger Pockets think about local regulations?

Reviews from Plantation hosts on sites like Reddit and BiggerPockets indicate general acceptance of the city's strict short term rental regulations. While some view aspects of the rules as overly rigid or challenging to implement, most agree oversight is necessary to limit issues.

Specific feedback includes:

• Noise monitoring rules are frustrating but do curb late night parties
• Registration paperwork is lengthy but adds legitimacy
• Penalties seem severe but prevent repeat violations
• Inspections are stringent but improve safety
• Occupancy limits can reduce bookings but also neighbor complaints
• The licensing fees and taxes are high but fund enforcement

The prevailing viewpoint is that these measures, although strict, have helped establish short term rentals as reputable businesses in Plantation. They prevent the worst-case rental scenarios that prompt backlash in other cities.

This regulatory clarity creates stability for hosts investing in local short term rental properties.